Living in Germany is almost like living in a mixed media art dessert.
However,thanks
to the internet, Somerset Studio and caring and sharing friends
from
abroad, I am well informed about techniques, new media etc. Since mixed media
retreats are also non-existant in Europe, I travelled to Cleveland, OH and
attended Art Continuum 2002 for the first time. Amongst other, I had the
great
pleasure of taking a class with Nina Bagley. I am fascinated by her
use of tarnished copper wire mesh which opened new doors to my artwork, in particular
to my altered books. The tarnished copper mesh looks rusty and has a wonderful
vintage look. Nina tarnishes copper wire mesh (silver is possible too)
with liver of
sulphur. While I'm at tarnishing, I also dip in wire, metal
foil etc. Wire mesh is best
attached with eyelets. You can either use a
Japanese screw punch for making
holes through the mesh. I use a hammer and
a simple holemaking tool

which came with my eyelet setter set. It worksjust perfectly. Another thing I like
about using wire mesh is that it gives your eyelets stability and allows you
to attach danglings or anything else to it. Long eyelets are available from Coffee
Break Design and allow you to attach thicker layers. I also like the look
of brass wire mesh. A tarnished look can be achieved by painting on acrylic paints.
You can read all about Nina's original techniques and see related artwork
in the Nov/Dec 2002 issue of Somerset Studio. Belinda Schneider Dec 2002
Here are some useful urls:-Nina Bagley's website Copper Wire Mesh (Michaels carries this)Liver of SulphurArt ContinuumAll images are from the great range of collage sheets at Art Chix StudioSee more of Belinda's work here